South African cultural manifestation in full swing

(2006-07-07)

Germany sparkles as dancers, musicians, poets and crafters showcase their wares Cologne: Germany may have been knocked out of the 2006 FIFA World Cup but that hasn't stopped thousands of its citizens and visitors to the country from enjoying the once-off South African cultural manifestation taking place in the last week of the most important football event in the world.

A highly-charged delegation of South Africans arrived in Cologne on June 30th, preparing for nine days of unprecedented cultural activities, supported by a 100 percent homegrown team that includes chefs showcasing traditional South African cuisine, hairstylists, make-up artists, clothing designers, models and more.

South Africa's cultural presence opened on July 1st when Professor Itumeleng Mosala, Director General in the National Department of Arts and Cultured, opened the Beautiful Things exhibition at the Gallery House Seippel in Cologne. The exhibition showcases the designs of a range of crafters including Kwa-Zulu Natal's Sibusiso Khumalo and Jabu Nala as well as Julius Mfethe from the Eastern Cape, and runs until the end of July. Among those attending the event were the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Premier Nosimo Balindlela, the MEC for Sport Arts and Culture Noxolo Abrahms, Buffalo City Mayor, Zintle Peter, KSD Mayor De Le Rey Mkhatshwa and the MEC for Economic Affairs M Sogoni. July 2nd saw an evening of prose, poetry and the spoken word held at Cologne's Kunstsalon, featuring Maakomele Manaka, Lebo Mashile, Gcina Mhlophe-Becker and Keorapetse Kgositsile.

July 3rd saw a range of high-profile South African musicians take to the Tanzbrunnen open-air stage for an outdoor concert. Johnny Clegg with his band Savuka, Kholwa Brothers, Tlokwe Sehume, Jabu Khanyile, Freshlyground and Hip Hop Pantsula were among those performing along with several dancers and poets, including Lebo Mashile, and Mak Manaka. The sheer energy and passion that South African artists perform with got audience members dancing and the display of sublime culture on the part of our artists was undoubtedly the talk of the concert!

There was more adulation for South Africa's cultural manifestation on July 4th at the Tanzbrunnen Theatre. A showcase, presented in two parts - ‘Rhythm of Africa' and ‘African Diva' – saw choreographer, Tyrone Watkins, work with dancers from Tshwane Dance Theatre, Footsteps and other dance academies in a programme that mixed dance with live music from the likes of Jabu Khanyile, Kholwa Brothers, and Tlokwe Sehume and Medu. Says Professor Mosala, "It's been wonderful to see just how readily international audiences have taken to our cultural manifestation. "From the poets to the dancers, from the crafts to the music, we are certainly making an impression in Germany. Hopefully we will make a lasting impression in the minds of many and when the come to South African in 2010 they will make experiencing more culture high on their agenda."

With just a few days to go until the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Berlin, South Africans are taking advantage of the spirit of global unity to showcase their wares in ways that throw the spotlight firmly on the country's incredibly diverse culture. The highlight of the week will undoubtedly be July 9th, following the official handing over of the FIFA World Cup to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. Taking place at the Maritim Hotel in Berlin, a unique ceremony, titled "Africa Is Calling" and conceived and produced by Jerry Mofokeng will usher in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. The event will be hosted by Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan and Mr Moss Chikane, South Africa's Ambassador to Germany and interweaves music, dance, poetry, speeches and much more into one incredible show.